ABUJA — The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has declared an indefinite strike effective Monday, September 15, 2025, following the alleged refusal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the administration to address their long-standing demands.
Announcing the industrial action at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision was reached after an emergency congress held on Sunday.
He stressed that the strike was not a personal attack on the minister or FCTA officials but a response to what he described as a “failed health system” in the nation’s capital.
“The government has refused to meet any of our demands, financially and non-financially. Until they listen, we will continue with this indefinite strike,” Dr. Ebong stated. “This is not about the minister or the mandate secretary; it is about a crumbling healthcare system. Our hospitals are shadows of decay, without X-rays or essential equipment, and our members are being treated unfairly.”
The strike comes on the heels of a seven-day warning strike, which ended without progress. According to the communiqué issued after the congress, the doctors listed multiple grievances, including:
- Non-payment of salary arrears (ranging from 1 to 6 months) owed to doctors employed since 2023.
- Failure to recruit new doctors despite an acute manpower crisis.
- Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Unpaid arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS salary review.
- Unexplained deductions and irregular salary payments.
- Delayed promotions since 2023 and stagnation of newly qualified Fellows denied advancement to Consultant cadre.
- Non-payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
- Deplorable state of FCTA hospitals, lacking basic consumables and equipment.
The doctors resolved that the strike would not be suspended until the government demonstrates “genuine commitment” by meeting all demands, including immediate payment of outstanding allowances, recruitment of new doctors, release of promotion timelines, and urgent renovation of FCTA hospitals.
“This strike is for the sake of our patients and the survival of the healthcare system in Abuja. We are at a breaking point,” the communiqué concluded.
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